Template talk:Merit Badge footer

From MeritBadgeDotOrg

Use categories instead of this template?

I think this template should be deleted and that only categories should be used instead, so as to forestall all arguments about what category something should be in (as categories allows something to be in multiple places at once). For instance, Mammal Study could easily be a Category:Agribusiness merit badges, depending on what mammals you studied (cows, for instance). What's the difference between the Trade and Profession categories, the amount a person makes per year? How is Salesmanship neither a Trade nor a Profession? And isn't Archaeology either a Trade or a Profession? Welding, for instance, would seem to fit in multiple categories. A person with a 4-year Welding degree who's able to meet the standard of having 30% of his welds x-rayed for competency can make $80k/year right out of college. Granted, there's would be travel involved -- you'd be going out and welding together the support structure of the world's highest buildings, but I think it can safely be said that it's a Category:Professions merit badges. It would also fit, though, in Category:Arts and Crafts merit badges as this (and others) would attest. I think this template should just be removed, and merit badges should be in the categories that fit for those merit badges. Banaticus 01:33, January 16, 2012 (EST)

All merit badges are (and have always been) categorized by the national council. (NOTE: Scouts were originally required to earn one or more merit badges from certain Field(s) of Study in order to advance in Rank. Although Field of Study is no longer used for advancement purposes, national continues to use the same methods and categories when adding new merit badges... presumably, to ensure a balance is maintained.)

However, I certainly agree that {{Merit Badges by Field of Study}} should be removed from {{Merit Badge footer}}... and, have done so. Frankly, it just takes up space (i.e., consider those who want to print the article page). It's just redundant, there are plenty of other places where Field of Study is referenced. —RWSmith(Bureaucrat), 11:11, January 16, 2012 (EST)

Thanks -- I'm an Eagle Scout and I never knew that merit badges were categorized by National. Also, thanks for editing the template. :) Banaticus 03:00, January 24, 2012 (EST)